CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Local communities are working together to end gun violence, and they're using clippers to do it.
Children were able to sit at Seven Hills Neighborhood House, get their hair cut and braided, and talk with barbers and cosmetologists about the importance of staying away from guns.
Isaac Davis, who lost his 11-year-old son Dominick in a car shooting last year, calls barbers like him community therapists who can connect with children and guide them on the right path.
“I was cutting Dominique's hair and I just wanted to give back to the community as a way to help end gun violence, to end gun violence,” Davis said.
Now, Dominick's parents, Isaac and Lakisha McFarland, are trying to educate young children to stay away from guns and be aware of the groups they hang out with.
“We want them to be aware of their surroundings and if possible come to a safe place to play,” Lakisha McFarland said.
“We're telling them not to get involved with guns,” Davis said. “When you ask them, do you know someone who has a gun? So that you don't hang out with the wrong crowd. Anything can happen, and even if you're standing with the wrong person and a shooting happens. , they are the victims, they are not the intended targets.”
One of the children in attendance was Dominic's older brother, Ian Davies. Although he still struggles with the loss of his brother, he said days like this will shine a light on his legacy.
“I still think it was a dream because he was my only brother. I didn't know how to feel, and I still don't know how to feel,” said Ian Davies. .
More than 50 children had their hair cut and braided at Seven Hills Neighborhood House. Although Isaac can no longer see Dominic's smile, he is happy to see the smiles on his children's faces after getting their hair cut.
“It’s all about handing that mirror to them and seeing their smiles,” he said. “Even though I can't see Dominic's smile anymore, it means a lot because I get to see the kids and feel the joy there.”